After the usual hotels breakfast we checked out and headed to the Nevada State Museum (which opens at 8.30 am. We got there at 8.45-they had to unlock the doors to let us in. Had a good collection on view. In particular I liked their 'Ghost Towns' display. Had material and information on the Native Americans but, did not touch on the conflicts when the Europeans arrived in the area, which was disappointing.
Left Carson City around 10..30 am. Decided to take Rte 88 (via Carson Pass), however, our GPS unit had other ideas and kept telling us to turn around.
From the Nevada side it is a steep ascent to the pass. The road was in good condition with little traffic. Soon we were above the snow line. Noticed a few of the lakes were starting to freeze over. The usual fishermen were to be seen around a few of the larger lakes.
The descent was longer and with more curves. There was about 5 miles of roadworks to contend with, so spent 10+ minutes waiting.
Just outside Jackson, decided I needed a break from driving. Found a little deli and had a great BLT for lunch.
Stopped at a very large supermarket in Jackson -Costless. Fantastic selection. Did a little shopping for Yosemite.
On the way to Yosemite we passed through 2 little towns which seem well worth further investigation- Angel Camp and Sonoma. Both had Victorian buildings that looked like they did the the 1880's.
Finally arrived at the Yosemite Valley around 4pm. Lots of road works, with detours and closed roads to contend with.
What amazes me is the $80 annual pass still worked. So we got into Yellowstone and Yosemite free. That was a great investment n November 2015.
After a little driving around we found the check in building. Got that sorted and moved in. The room is small. No TV or radio and no frig. And, they charge $167 per night. There are only 18 of these hotel rooms. The remainder here at Half Dome Village are cabins or canvas cabins (both heated and non-heated) where you have to walk to use the bathroom or shower. Hence the price.
Apparently there are plenty of black bears around here, so had to empty the car (so they wouldn't be tempted to break in) and store everything in a container in our room. If you have a tented cabin there are bear lockers outside, which you must use.
We do have wifi but need to be in the communal building to access it.
Got settled and went exploring. The only food outlet here in the afternoon and evening is the pizza patio which by judging by the length of the que were doing a roaring trade. There is coffee corner which serves breakfast from 7 am to 10 am every morning.
With the bus stop just outside our room we decided to head to the food court (which closes at 7 pm) over at Yosemite Valley lodge. On the ride over, a woman hoped on and was telling everyone about a bear encounter she had just had coming down the track to catch the bus.
The food court was chaotic -a mass of humanity queuing to buy and then eat an evening meal. Needless to say it was not a memorable meal. But the experience was priceless, it reminded me of lunch time at the uni cafe, but 4 fold.
Bused back and prepared for tomorrow's hikes.
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